|
|
 Brand |
It took a lot of effort, but, in the end, it was well worth it.
That certainly could be the sentiment of the graduates who took part in commencement ceremonies on eight IU campuses in early May. Commencement was a series of joyous events, celebrations of accomplishment, and tributes to the ability and determination of so many of our students.
Shortly before commencement week, another important event for the university occurred with, understandably, far less pomp and circumstance. The Indiana General Assembly approved a two-year budget plan that is good for higher education in general and for IU in particular. It was another example of hard work yielding results.
During this legislative session, we tried to present the strongest possible argument that some of the state's budget surplus should be invested in higher education. I sincerely believe that such an investment is not only important for our university, but for the long-term economic success of our state.
Of course, you can't just make your case at budget time. You have to establish a record of performance. Indiana University has.
The budget that emerged from the conference committee and was signed by the governor includes adequate funding for general operations, a strong commitment to information technology, and the most generous capital spending in IU history.
The budget will fund medical education facilities in Gary, Indianapolis, South Bend and Terre Haute; a professional education building at IU Northwest; an IU South Bend student activities center; a communications technology complex at IUPUI; a renovated and expanded facility for IUB's Kelley School of Business; and other projects.
While you never receive everything you seek through the budget process, I was impressed with the vision shown by Gov. Frank O'Bannon and legislative leaders.
That vision also was clear in the funding of another important proposal--the 21st Century Growth and Technology Fund. The fund, scheduled to receive $50 million over the next two years, will attract federal grant money and will encourage cutting-edge medical research in university and business laboratories. It should be a powerful tool to create new job opportunities in expanding fields in Indiana.
Based on the quality of the women and men I saw walking across eight different stages to accept their diplomas, I know that our state will have no shortage of talented, creative, and well-educated people to fill those jobs.
What's on your mind? E-mail President Brand at pres@indiana.edu.
Visit President Brand's homepage at:
Return to Table of Contents